• Maclean is known as the ‘Scottish Town in Australia’.
• Located in northern New South Wales, it was settled by Scottish immigrants in the 19th century.
• They were attracted by its similarities to their homeland, with the majestic Clarence River, lush greenery and rolling hills.
• The town is home to the annual Maclean Highland Gathering.
• The streets are adorned with more than 200 tartan power poles.
• Maclean has a population of around 2,600 residents, creating a close-knit community.
• The town is surrounded by natural beauty, with national parks, forests and beaches nearby.
The tranquil town of Maclean, New South Wales, nestled along the banks of the majestic Clarence River, came alive with vibrant sounds, sights, and traditions of Scotland during the highly anticipated 2023 Maclean Highland Gathering at Easter.
Known as the “Scottish Town in Australia,” Maclean’s Scottish history dates back to the 1840s, when Caledonians started coming there, attracted by Australia’s gold rush and the prospect of avoiding famine back in their homeland.
The town is located where the southern and northern arms of the Clarence River meet and its rolling hills, mighty river and forests reminded the mostly Scottish settlers, with a spattering of Irish, of the countryside in their home country.
The first Highland Gathering in Maclean was held at the Maclean Showgrounds in 1894 and this has been its home for the past 128 years. Providing the opportunity for high level competition for pipers, drummers, dancers and sportsmen and women in their chosen Scottish cultural pursuit has always been at the heart of Maclean’s Highland Gathering from its inception and the gathering has grown to become one of Australia’s pre-eminent Scottish cultural events.
Maclean eagerly welcomes locals and visitors alike to its annual spirited celebration of Scottish culture, where bagpipes filled the air, kilts swirled, and traditional sports took center stage.
Entertainment began on Friday evening, with a ceilidh at McLachlan Park and a massed band display.
On Easter Saturday, bright and early at 8.30am, the town awakened to the enchanting sounds of bagpipes and drums as numerous pipe bands had a parade through the streets before converging on the gathering grounds. It was a vibrant tapestry of colorful kilts, plaid patterns, and proud clans, a spectacle that showcased the diverse heritage and affiliations of those participating.
Highland dancing, a hallmark of Scottish traditions, took center stage at the showgrounds, as talented performers donned vibrant Scottish attire and stepped onto the stage. With intricate footwork and graceful movements, these dancers showcased the elegance and artistry that defines Highland dancing.
But it wasn’t just the grace and poise of the dancers that captivated the audience; the Highland Games, a series of ancient athletic competitions, left spectators on the edges of their seats. From the awe-inspiring caber toss, where athletes hoist and hurl tree trunks with precision, to the fierce hammer throwing and stone putting events, the strength, skill, and camaraderie of the competitors were on full display. There were races for kilted men and ladies, children’s races, and not to be missed was the ladies haggis hurl, a sport involving the hurling of a haggis as far as possible.
Beyond the spirited competitions, the Maclean Highland Gathering offered a multitude of experiences for attendees. Traditional cuisine tempted taste buds. Visitors also explored stalls adorned with memorabilia, allowing attendees to take home a piece of Scotland.
The Maclean Highland Gathering was an event for the whole family, offering activities to ensure everyone had a memorable day.
Visitors of all ages reveled in the joyous sounds of live Scottish music performances, featuring both bands and talented solo musicians.
For the locals, this celebration was a cherished opportunity to reconnect with their Scottish roots, honouring the generations that came before. For others, it offered a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience the timeless traditions of Scotland.
The Maclean Highland Gathering had once again painted a picture where the magic of Scotland met the beauty of Australia. Visitors had the privilege to witness the joyful fusion of two cultures.
Published in Anglo&Celtic magazine, July 2023.
Anglo&Celtic 